Early Learning Centers

The Office of Early Learning concentrates its services primarily in Wards 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8 as many of the District’s low-income households that demonstrate the greatest need are clustered in these quadrants.

UPO directly provides center-based services to Early Head Start and Head Start children and families. The UPO state-licensed and approved early education centers incorporate evidence-based, national early learning curricula to provide children the jumpstart they need to thrive as productive citizens.

The UPO Office of Early Learning network provides a part-day program that offers services from 9 am to 2 pm based on need and is limited to residents of the District of Columbia. Before- and after-care subsidies are available from 7 am to 9 am and 2 pm to 6 pm to families that are working or in a training program. The Pre-K program is for ages 3 to 4 at participating centers. Eligibility is based on relationship and the family unit, citizenship or legal status of the child, residence, need and income.

Registration for enrollment for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old is open year-round.